Why Dimple Surgery is Becoming the Next New Thing
Just when you thought full, tattooed eyebrows were the peak of simple, effective and permanent cosmetic procedures, there is something new: dimples.
Dimple surgery is a new, fast way to make a simple but noticeable change to your face without any visible scars. The best part is that not only does the procedure offer a permanent solution; the procedure can be easily reversed.
How about that for a lunch-break makeover?
Why are dimples desirable?
Dimples are caused by a birth defect where there is a weakness or shortening within the cheek muscles, causing additional layers of skin to crinkle. The depressions caused by dimples are usually only visible when the muscles pull back into a smile.
Dimples are now often seen as cute and desirable because they emphasise and broaden the appearance of the person’s smile or grin.
Just think about some of the most memorable celebrity smiles: Kirsten Dunst, Jennifer Garner, Miranda Kerr, Adam Levine, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Hugh Jackman and Brad Pitt all sport cute dimples when they smile.
How can I get dimples?
Aside from being born with the dimple(s), reputable plastic surgeons can make some simple incisions and tweaks to create natural looking dimples using a procedure called dimpleplasty.
What happens during dimpleplasty?
If you choose to have dimpleplasty, then your surgeon will work with you to help select the best location. Some patients prefer to have just one dimple, while others will choose a symmetrical appearance.
Once you’ve selected your look, your surgeon will put you under local anaesthesia to numb the cheek tissue.
Making small incisions from the inside of the cheeks, your surgeon will remove a small amount of fat, tissue and muscle. Dissolvable sutures will then be inserted to draw together the incision and create the foundation for the dimple.
How long does it take?
Dimpleplasty is an incredibly fast and effective procedure that can be completed in as little as 30 minutes in a clinic setting.
Is dimpleplasty permanent?
In most cases, yes, dimpleplasty is permanent.
What happens after the procedure?
Immediately following the procedure, patients will notice a slight concave dimple on the outside of the cheek while the tissue heals. This dimple will soon fade to only reappear during talking, chewing and smiling.
Recovery wise, patients will experience some localised swelling and bruising, and will be prescribed pain and antibiotic medications and mouth washes to ensure a speedy recovery. It is advisable that patients avoid hard and spicy foods during this time.
How soon will I see results?
Patients will see immediate results after the procedure, and the best part being that most patients can return to normal duties the following day.
As the tissue heals, patients generally report that they see more natural looking dimple results two weeks after surgery.
What are the risks?
There are few risks associated with dimpleplasty, but you should be mindful that not all patients are able to get this procedure done.
Some types of skin are more prone to extensive scarring, while ill health and lifestyle factors can make surgery impractical.
Following surgery, patients need to be aware that they may experience:
- Bleeding from tissue stretching
- Infections, which can be prevented by using the prescribed antibiotics
- Nerve damage, which may require additional surgery to repair, and
- Asymmetry, which can be fixed with subsequent surgeries
Can it be reversed?
In many cases, patients can have the dimple reversed through additional surgery. Of course, you will have to speak to your surgeon before embarking on dimpleplasty about the likelihood of having your surgery reversed.
How do I start?
The best step to take if you’re interested in dimpleplasty is to seek out recommendations from family and friends for surgeon referrals. Make sure to only enquire at reputable clinics and always enquire to see portfolios of work to best understand the surgeon’s style and success rates.
